Thursday, August 5, 2010

Freezing Green Peppers

I wanted to highlight a question I received from a reader...

"I had a question for you about green peppers since they are on sale this week at Kroger. Can I go ahead and chop some up and freeze them to use in future meals? Basically do they freeze well? Any advice? Thanks!"
Yes, you can definitely freeze bell peppers!

One of my biggest tips to cutting back in the kitchen is freezing food when it is at its rock bottom price. With fresh produce, it usually hits its rock bottom price in its peak season. This gives you the best of both worlds...great produce for a great price!

I freeze my bell peppers for two different ways...

1. Flash Freeze
To do this all you need to do is wash and dice the pepper like you would usually do. Then spread on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until frozen. Once the diced peppers are frozen place in a dated freezer bag. Flash freezing prevents the peppers from clumping together.

The peppers should last in the freezer for 10-12 months...so don't be afraid to stock up!

I use the peppers in a variety of ways. You can add them to casseroles, omelets, stir-frys, soups, fajitas, or meatloaf.

2. Stuffed Peppers
When I make my stuffed peppers I just follow the recipe up until the point of baking. Once assembled, place on a parchment lined cookie sheet and freeze until frozen. Remove from baking sheet and wrap in plastic wrap and place in a dated freezer bag. To bake you thaw and follow baking instructions.

It is important to mention that the texture of the pepper will change after freezing. They will turn a little mushy if frozen and then thawed. It isn't a problem in cooked foods as they turn mushy anyways...you just wouldn't want to eat them raw!


Do you have a question? If so, feel free to e-mail me...and I will do my best to help you out...

2 comments:

Misty said...

Thanks so much... will be heading to Kroger this week. :)

Christy said...

I always have some frozen peppers in my freezer!

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